Lauritz Knudsen Empowers Young Engineers to Shape India's Electric Mobility Landscape
In a strategic move to bolster India's electric mobility ecosystem, Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation has announced a partnership with Orion Racing India, the Formula Student team from K J Somaiya School of Engineering, Somaiya Vidyavihar University in Mumbai. This collaboration aims to support young engineering talent through hands-on learning and experimentation, emphasizing the critical role of grassroots innovation in driving the nation's transition to sustainable transportation.
Fostering Innovation at the Grassroots Level
The partnership underscores Lauritz Knudsen's belief that meaningful progress in electric mobility hinges on nurturing innovation from the ground up. By engaging with students actively involved in designing and building electric and autonomous vehicle platforms, the company encourages early adoption of clean mobility thinking. This initiative contributes to developing future-ready skills essential for India's evolving energy and mobility landscape, aligning with broader efforts to enhance electric vehicle charging infrastructure and power distribution systems.
Orion Racing India: A Legacy of Student Motorsport Excellence
Orion Racing India brings nearly two decades of experience in student motorsport, consistently participating in national and international Formula Student competitions. Since transitioning from internal combustion engines to electric prototypes in 2019, the team has aligned its work with global shifts toward sustainable mobility. Their electric racecar serves as a dynamic learning platform, enabling students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges in power systems, energy management, safety, and vehicle performance.
Industry and Academic Perspectives on the Partnership
Naresh Kumar, COO of Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation, highlighted the importance of early engagement, stating, "India's electric mobility journey will be shaped by the ecosystem we build today. At Lauritz Knudsen, we believe meaningful change begins early, when young engineers are encouraged to build, experiment, and apply their learning to challenges. By engaging with students actively working on electric vehicle technologies, we are helping develop future-ready talent that will play a defining role in India's mobility and energy future."
Dr. Ukrande, Director of K J Somaiya School of Engineering, added, "Orion Racing India has a long and proud legacy of representing our institution at Formula Student competitions. What makes this journey special is the continuity each batch of students builds on the learning, experience, and spirit of those before them. Through hands-on work on electric racecars, our students move beyond textbooks to real engineering challenges. Support from industry partners like Lauritz Knudsen further strengthens this learning ecosystem and motivates students to innovate in areas critical to India's mobility future."
About Lauritz Knudsen and Somaiya Vidyavihar University
Lauritz Knudsen Electrical & Automation, formerly known as L&T Switchgear, is a leading player in India's electrical industry with over 70 years of heritage. The company exports to more than 30 countries and provides a wide range of solutions to sectors such as industries, utilities, infrastructure, buildings, and agriculture. Its portfolio includes:
- Low-voltage and medium-voltage switchgear
- Automation solutions
- Tailored software and services
Somaiya Vidyavihar University, established in 2019 and accredited with an A Grade by NAAC, builds on the 84-year legacy of the Somaiya Educational Trust. Guided by the motto 'Knowledge Alone Liberates', the university emphasizes academic excellence, holistic development, and sustainability. The K. J. Somaiya School of Engineering offers:
- 10 Under Graduate (B.Tech.) programs
- 09 Post Graduate (M.Tech.) programs
- 6 PhD programs
This partnership reflects Lauritz Knudsen's ongoing commitment to contributing to the skills and thinking necessary for India's dynamic mobility future, ensuring that innovation is cultivated from the earliest stages of engineering education.
